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Warning-sign checks

Atheroembolic renal disease: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency symptoms such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, severe abdominal pain, or a cold and painful limb should not wait for a routine appointment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Between visits, seek prompt medical guidance for worsening swelling, a major change in urine output, persistent vomiting, new confusion, or new blue or painful toes.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Early follow-up generally involves repeat blood tests, urine tests, blood pressure checks, and review of symptoms.

    The frequency depends on the severity and pace of the kidney injury.

    A nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney disease, may help guide monitoring and treatment.

    At routine visits, the care team may review:

    • Changes in creatinine, potassium, and estimated kidney function
    • Blood pressure, weight, swelling, and urine output
    • Skin findings and symptoms involving other organs
    • Medicines that may need adjustment for kidney function
    • Management of smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, and vascular disease
    • Planning for future angiography, surgery, or other artery procedures

The article also says

Keep an updated medicine list and tell every treating clinician about the kidney injury and suspected or confirmed cholesterol embolization.

Do not stop anticoagulants like warfarin or apixaban , antiplatelet medicines, blood pressure drugs, or other prescribed treatments without medical advice.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Atheroembolic renal disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.